Danny Graham says he is looking forward to a fresh challenge at Blackburn Rovers after sealing a loan move from Sunderland until the end of the season.

The Gateshead-born striker has struggled at the Stadium of Light since joining from Swansea in 2013. In 30 league appearances the striker has managed just one goal for the Black Cats.

The 30-year-old will move to Ewood Park until the end of the campaign, which likely ends his Sunderland career with his contract up at the end of the season.

Graham told Blackburn’s club website after completing the deal: “It’s been a mad 24 hours, I was training with Sunderland yesterday morning and then I came down here last night to get things sorted, so I’m delighted to get it done.

“I’m looking forward to the first game against Charlton and hopefully we can get off to a flying start.

“I was aware of the interest in the background and obviously I’ve been playing a bit at Sunderland the last few weeks, so I’m coming here with games under my belt, which is also pleasing.

“Hopefully we can both do well for each other.

“I spoke to the manager a few times and obviously he’s got some good players. The transfer embargo has been lifted, so they want to sign players and move the club forward.

“For me to get out of Sunderland and have a fresh challenge is superb for me, so I’m delighted to get it done, I can’t wait to get going and hopefully we can pull together and move up the table.”

Graham is available to go straight into the Rovers squad for their Championship fixture with Charlton this weekend.

For Sunderland and boss Sam Allardyce, it offers more funds to allow the club to try and push further signings to aid their own battle against relegation after offloading Costel Pantilimon to Watford yesterday too.